Italy has turned to a familiar face in an effort to revive its struggling national football team. Roberto Mancini has been appointed head coach of the Azzurri for a second time after the team’s recent setbacks on the international stage.
The decision comes after Italy failed to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups. Football officials now hope Mancini can restore confidence and guide the four-time world champions back to success.
The announcement was made by the Italian football federation president, Giovanni Malago, who confirmed a major restructuring within the national team setup.
Italy Makes Changes to Coaching Staff
Alongside Mancini’s appointment, Italy also named Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director.
Ranieri replaces Paolo Maldini, who reportedly opposed Mancini’s appointment and was replaced before the official announcement.
Speaking to reporters, Malago said:
“Today we have a new coach and a new technical director.”
He further added:
“I felt that the person who should be and become the Italian national football team’s head coach was Roberto Mancini, for a whole series of considerations for which, as always, I honestly take responsibility.”
A joint press conference featuring Mancini and Ranieri is scheduled for Wednesday.
Gattuso’s Exit Opened the Door
The coaching position became vacant after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following Italy’s World Cup qualification play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.
Several well-known names were linked with the role before the federation reached its decision.
Antonio Conte emerged as one option during the search. However, reports suggested Paolo Maldini also opposed his appointment. Instead, Maldini reportedly preferred former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta.
Andrea Pirlo was another candidate. Nevertheless, he announced on Monday that he was no longer in contention.
Pirlo had faced criticism over his reported association with a Russian sports-betting company. Critics also questioned his coaching experience.
Mancini Returns After Previous Success
Mancini previously managed Italy from 2018 until 2023.
During that spell, he led the Azzurri to UEFA Euro 2020 glory after defeating England in a penalty shootout.
He also guided Italy through a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run, one of the longest in international football history.
However, his resignation in 2023 surprised many supporters and football officials. He left Italy to become head coach of Saudi Arabia during the country’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
His decision reportedly damaged his relationship with several senior federation officials.
Mancini remained with Saudi Arabia for only 14 months before leaving the role.
He later joined Qatari club Al-Sadd on a two-year contract in November last year.
Now, he returns with the responsibility of rebuilding Italy’s national side.
Tough Challenges Await Italy
Mancini’s second spell will begin with a UEFA Nations League fixture against Belgium on September 25.
Italy shares a difficult group with Belgium, France and Turkey.
When asked about concerns over Italy’s chances, Malago defended the team’s situation.
He said:
“The new coach will have two training sessions to prepare for the first game.”
He also added:
“Since Italy lost the play-off to Bosnia, I don’t think we gave passports to Lamine Yamal, (Kylian) Mbappe and (Harry) Kane… So are we being serious here?”
Malago further stated:
“(We) must try to do the best with what we have, also safeguard our European ranking in a group against teams that were all at the World Cup, Turkey, Belgium and France.”
He concluded:
“If you want to be objective and serious, finishing fourth in that group is logical.”
Can Mancini Revive Italy Again?
Despite his previous achievements, Mancini’s return remains a divisive decision.
Many supporters still remember his successful Euro 2020 campaign. Others continue to question the timing of his departure in 2023.
Italy has struggled since lifting the European Championship trophy. The team has not reached a World Cup final since 2014. Moreover, it has not played a World Cup knockout match since winning the tournament in 2006.
Their Euro 2024 title defence also ended early after a last-16 defeat to Switzerland.
Now, Mancini faces the difficult task of restoring confidence, improving performances and guiding Italy back among international football’s elite.
His experience at both club and international level offers hope. Before managing Italy, he won three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan. Later, he guided Manchester City to the 2011-12 Premier League title, ending the club’s 44-year wait for the English league crown.
As Italy begins another rebuilding phase, all attention will now focus on whether Roberto Mancini can once again transform the fortunes of the Azzurri.
